Speaking on behalf of the 12 other NGOs, Malaysian Indian Progressive Association (Mipas) president Rajaretinam Armuggan alleged that DLP will further marginalise Indian students’ results in public exams.

Schools in Malaysia which join the DLP programme are given the option to teach Science, Mathematics, Information Technology and Communication, and Design and Technology in English or Malay.

“We disagree with DLP. Our stand is always primary education must be taught in mother tongue,” Rajaretinam said at a press conference at Sentul Curry House here.

He added language is vital to empower their early education.

“Children can learn better if they study in their own tongues,” he said.

Rajaretinam drew on two studies by the government in 2007 that showed the students’ level of understanding dropped when the Teaching and Learning of Science and Mathematics in English, or PPSMI, was implemented.

“This shows students, especially those living in villages, cannot understand the teaching when done in English,” he said.

Rajaretinam said the groups plan to hold their first roadshow next Saturday at Padang Chetty in Little India, Klang, to highlight the disadvantages of DLP.

“We want to tell the public, especially parents, why this government’s programme will never work,” he said. He added they will go on a nationwide roadshow to Tamil schools to explain the issue to parents and students.

Deputy Education Minister Chong Sin Woon was reported as saying DLP is expected to be in 841 schools next year.

The other NGOs that objected to DPL were:

1. Persatuan Sepakat Malaysia
2. Pertubuhan Perikemanusian Thiravidar
3. Persatuan Pelajar Intelektual Tamil Malaysia
4. Persatuan Kebajikan Magilchi
5. Persatuan Progressif India Malaysia (MIPAS)
6. Tamilar Otrumai
7. Persatuan Tamilar Kural
8. Tamil Writers Association
9. Tamil Foundation
10. Tamil Students Association
11. Tamil Women Success Society
12. Parents-Teachers Associations (PIBG) for Tamil schools in Sentul